Comparison of Back-Saver Sit-and-Reach and Modified Fingertip-to-Floor Tests in Assessing Hamstring Flexibility in Overweight Primary School Children: A Correlational Study

A bstract Background: Childhood obesity is on the rise and is often associated with musculoskeletal issues such as reduced hamstring flexibility, which can contribute to lower back pain. This study compares the Back-saver Sit-and-Reach Test and the Modified Fingertip-to-Floor Test in evaluating hamstring flexibility among overweight primary school children and explores the correlation between them. Materials and Methods: A correlational study was conducted on 156 overweight children aged 7–12 years from primary schools in South Bengaluru. Each participant underwent both flexibility tests, and their body mass index was recorded. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and univariate linear regression were used to analyze the relationship between test outcomes and demographic variables such as age, gender, height, and weight. Results: A moderate positive correlation was found between the two tests ( r = 0.25, P = 0.0014), indicating a relationship but suggesting that the tests are not directly interchangeable. Gender was significantly associated with Modified Fingertip-to-Floor scores, with boys scoring lower than girls (Beta = −2.5, P < 0.05). No other variables were significantly related to test outcomes. Conclusions: Both the Back-saver Sit-and-Reach and Modified Fingertip-to-Floor Tests are valuable for assessing hamstring flexibility in overweight children, though they assess different aspects of flexibility. The moderate correlation emphasizes the need for multiple testing methods when evaluating musculoskeletal health in this population, supporting the case for individualized intervention strategies.